The American Apparel & Footwear Association and The Hosiery Association Recommend Farella Braun + Martel Products Law Services to Members
Proposition 65 Expansion Drives Organizations to Assist Apparel Companies with Compliance
SAN FRANCISCO, June 19, 2007 - In accordance with the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, also known as Proposition 65, each year California publishes the Proposition 65 list, a list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. As the list grows, so do the regulations and restrictions imposed on manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, property owners and managers. Farella Braun + Martel is being recommended by the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and The Hosiery Association to provide services regarding Proposition 65 and other product laws to its members.
Farella Braun + Martel will provide AAFA and THA members with regular advisories regarding developments in Proposition 65 and other product laws relevant to the apparel, footwear and hosiery industries. The annual Proposition 65 list has grown to include nearly 775 chemicals to date, and companies doing business in California must provide a warning if their products or premises cause people to be exposed to any of the listed chemicals, or if they are released into the environment.
"We are honored to provide AAFA and THA members with the latest in product law information and services," said Jim Bruen, partner, Farella Braun + Martel. "Our international leadership role on product stewardship issues relevant to the apparel, hosiery and footwear industries will benefit members as consumer product laws and standards become increasingly stringent and complex. We look forward to assisting individual members to address legal risks that might arise from the enforcement of California's Proposition 65 and other product laws." Farella products and environmental lawyers Chris Locke and Ruth Ann Castro will work with Jim Bruen on the AAFA/THA member engagements.
In addition to published advisories, Farella Braun + Martel will offer company-specific guidance concerning Proposition 65, similar product design, manufacturing or labeling laws, product defect claims, Consumer Product Safety Act, product recall counseling and other product stewardship advice upon request to association members for a discounted rate.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with THA and to offer the respected services of Farella Braun + Martel to our members who have come to expect this kind of benefit from our industry-leading associations," said Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO, AAFA. "Regulations and restrictions are complex and ever-growing, as are the legal risks of even an appearance of non-compliance. All businesses operating in California need legal advice to stay current as the substances list expands, to understand the Proposition 65, and to take appropriate protective actions to ensure compliance."
Sally Kay, president and CEO, THA, adds, "Now, more than ever, companies must be proactive in understanding the ever changing landscape of consumer products' industries. The ability to work with Farella Braun + Martel exemplifies the fact that our trade organizations want to ensure that our members are kept apprised of the latest developments and are able to make informed business decisions."
Since its founding in 1962, Farella Braun + Martel has achieved a national reputation for the acumen of its business practice, the high profile cases of its complex commercial litigation practice and its prestigious client base. Based in San Francisco, the firm serves a diverse group of clients from multinational corporations to emerging businesses. The firm also has an office in the Napa Valley focused on the wine industry and related businesses. Farella Braun + Martel is a Green Business. www.fbm.com
Contacts:
Melinda Hepp / Traci Stuart
Blattel Communications
415.397.4811
[email protected] / [email protected]
Cheryl Loof
Farella Braun + Martel LLP
415.954.4433
[email protected]
